The September 11th Victim Compensation Fund works to ensure all eligible responders receive the compensation they deserve for their 9/11-related illnesses, including members of various unions who aided in the rescue, recovery, and cleanup efforts. Importantly, every claim submitted to the VCF must include adequate information in order for the VCF to compensate for economic loss. This includes paperwork establishing a disability, earnings history, and documentation regarding lost pension benefits. 

The VCF recently updated its resources to provide further guidance regarding the required documents to support lost earnings and pension benefits for specific unions and employers. It’s crucial to ensure you submit the necessary information to the VCF to avoid delay or denial of your claim.

What Documents Does the VCF Require for Certain Unions?

Members of numerous unions were present at Ground Zero and in the NYC Exposure Zone, working to rebuild the area. Significantly, the required documentation that must be submitted to the VCF for every union is different. The following list provides a summary of some of these unions and the documentation required by the VCF:

• Local 15 (International Union of Operation Engineers) — Participant Basic Data Report; an indication of member’s category prior to retirement; Letter from the Central Pension Fund or the final Semi-Annual Benefit statement; a pension option letter.
• Local 12A (Asbestos Workers) — Letter confirming union membership; member work history report; pension information; a pension option letter.
• Local 66 (General Building Laborers) — Pension credit history; Participant Monthly History Inquiry; letter from union confirming membership date, level, and pension information; pension option letter; contributions toward Annuity Fund.
• Local 40 and 361 Benefit Fund (New York City Iron Workers) — Pension credit printout; member employment history; pension option letter; document showing pension information.
• Local 46 (Metal Lathers) — Member Inquiry document; Member Service Credit document; pension option letter; a document confirming whether the victim was a journeyman, foreman, or apprentice and pension information.
• Verizon — The Verizon Pension Plan Pension Calculation Statement; pension option letter; amount, type, and start date of pension; documentation regarding disability if receiving a disability pension.
• New York State Teachers Retirement System (NYSTRS) — Summary of NYSTRS Retirement Data; membership start date documentation; pension option letter; amount, type, and start date of pension; documentation regarding disability if receiving a disability pension.
• Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police — A document showing the MTA membership date; MTA unit; date of retirement; years of credited police service at retirement; confirmation that the victim was vested at the time of retirement; earnings for the year of the start of loss and up to four years prior; three-year final average salary at the time of loss; retirement benefits information; documentation regarding disability if receiving a disability pension.
• Consolidated Edison (CECONY Management and CECONY Weekly, Local 1-2) — Documentation regarding whether the victim was a Management or Weekly participant; the Consolidated Edison Retirement Plan printout; any decision by the pension fund regarding a disability pension.

A full list of the unions, employers, and required documents can be found on the VCF’s website. The VCF has arrangements with certain employers and unions, including the NYPD, NYCERS, and NYSLRS, where these entities provide information directly to the VCF for the purpose of evaluating disability, lost earnings, and loss of pension benefits. 

Contact an Experienced 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund Attorney

If you’re an eligible 9/11 responder, it’s essential to consult with an experienced VCF attorney who can best advise you regarding the documentation you will need to submit to the VCF in your specific case.  A 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund Attorney can guide you through the VCF claims process and help ensure you obtain the maximum compensation to which you’re entitled. 

The 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund attorneys at The Dearie Law Firm, P.C. have represented claimants and their families in 9/11 VCF cases for over a decade. For a free consultation, contact us today.